Disney Cruises

Lately, my customers have been purchasing Disney cruise vacations. There is no other cruise like a Disney cruise! What is so special about a Disney cruise? Gosh! Where do I begin? This is a blog, so I'll try to make it short and sweet.

Disney cruises stop at many different destinations: Bahamas, New England and Canada, the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe . There are 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, and 14-night cruises. Also, Disney has created their cruises for ALL AGES. It's not just for children. Adults who want to "relive Disney" will enjoy this cruise. There are adult dining areas, restaurants, lounges/clubs, etc. onboard. There are quiet adult only areas, too. Children will be able to greet and dine with Disney characters. Also, the characters are seen throughout the cruise. Imagine Mickey and Minnie or Donald taking a photograph with your child. The smiles! The smiles!The cruise includes fireworks displays, live shows, deck parties, movies, etc. Some activities are for adults only, families, and kids only. There is an activity/experience for everyone. Oh...I forgot. The spa! Wide World of Sports! Goofy's Sports Deck! Fitness Center!

On a Disney cruise, besides the meals and drinks, soft drinks and ice cream are included in the price; 24- HOUR DINING! Restaurants have names like Goofy's Galley, Pinocchio's Pizza, Pluto's Dog House, Enchanted Garden, Cabanas, and Remy and Palo (adult exclusive).The cabins have ample space and are designed for families. For example, cabins contain split baths and separate sinks. You can stay in an inside (no window), oceanview, room with verandah (balcony), or even a suite. Wow!

For an extraordinary, magical adult only or family experience like no other, contact me to book your Disney cruise. Disney cruises will sail out of Galveston (Houston), Texas in 2012. Book now!

Kimberly Fountain
Disney Specialist
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com

I Love Vacationing in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is the perfect vacation for people who LOVE turquoise blue waters, tropical year-round climate, and unique foods that are specific to a particular Caribbean island. For example, flying fish is significant to Barbados. It is delicious, too! (If you go to Barbados, be sure to have a fried flying fish sandwich.)

Another reason I really like vacationing in the Caribbbean is because of the fun I have with the locals. I always engage in conversation with locals at the resort. They can tell you the best places to dine whether economical or upscale and direct you to economical souvenir shops. Also, the locals enjoy sharing the history of their island with you. Sometimes, I have even had a local hotel worker to escort me and others to local events after they've gotten off of work.

One more reason I like to vacation in the Caribbean is because I enjoy learning about the culture. I always take the "island tour" while on an island. You have an opportunity to see the major attractions, look at various types of homes the locals live in, and shop for island specific goods. I always purchase a piece of art or other good from each Caribbean island that I visit. While in the Dominican Republic (popular for cigars), I watched a local roll cigars. I purchased some cigars for my friends. Also, the DR has some delicious coffee. I purchased the coffee for myself. Grand Cayman is a variety of rum cakes at the Tortuga Rum Cake store. Here I go...puchased some rum cakes. They can be pretty potent (if you know what I mean), too! Grand Cayman is also known for its gem: Caymanite--Got a piece of that--only found on Grand Cayman. On Anguilla, they have good ribs. I ate at a local, family-owned restaurant called Smokey's.Also, while on Anguilla, I had the opportunity to meet a famous sommelier. I excitedly chatted him up about wine.

If you'd like to see photos of my Caribbean island travel, check out my website http://www.sdestinationstravel.com/. Click on My Trips. Also, contact me to book your Caribbean vacation!
Kimberly Fountain
Caribbean Specialist
Splendid Destinations Travel

kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com

Family Vacation Travel Planning

One of my niches is planning vacation travel for families. I plan vacations that stay within your family's budget, include fun and educational experiences, recommend hotels/resorts that include meals and activities, arrange travel with the least travel time, etc. As a former elementary teacher, I have a special interest in making recommendations to families with young children. For example, if your family is interested in vacationing at a Disney theme park, I inquire about your childrens' favorite characters and recommend "character dining" experiences. Interest in animals? I may recommend accommodations in Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge, savana room. Families that stay here get "up close and personal" with animals from their balcony or window. Also, you can go on an African safari on the resort grounds. If your family is interested in a water themed park at an international destination, I may recommend going to the Bahamas and staying at The Atlantis. The Aquaventure Water Park is fun for all ages. Your family can experience an international destination, indulge in water adventures (e.g., swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay), attend Kids' Camp, etc.

I have acquired travel agent certification as a Disney Specialist, cruise specialist for Disney Cruise Lines, and Master Family Specialist--Grand Cayman Island. Many Caribbean island destinations are providing more activities for children of all ages. For example, Turks and Caicos islands has Beaches Turks and Caicos. It is an all-inclusive resort. I recommend lodging in the Italian Village. Also, the resort offers  many activities for teens and tweens: an XBOX360 Game Garage, DJ lessons at the Scratch DJ Academy, and a teen nightclub called Liquids at Beaches. Family travel planning is exciting and very rewarding to this former teacher!

Contact me for your family vacation travel planning needs!

Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
(832) 598-1762

Information Documents

Recently, I developed a few forms to decrease the number of informational emails that I send to my clients. I have created a document that states my booking process, a honeymoon  questionnaire, and a vacation interest form. Also, I'm creating some informational brochures.

Honeymoon Destination: Bora Bora

As a honeymoon specialist, I recommend various destinations to brides and grooms. Many clients prefer tropical island destinations. Tahiti and Bora Bora are my top recommendations, if the destinations are within my clients' honeymoon budget. Bora Bora is the most exotic island in the Pacific. It is located 143 miles northwest of Tahiti. You can fly to Papeete, Tahiti and take an interisland flight, helicopter, or ferry to Bora Bora. The island's mountainous interior is surround by a lagoon. Bora Bora is a perfect destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking, too! Catch some rays on their white sand beaches! Other activities include lagoon exploration, kayaking, jet skiing, 4 x 4 safari, deep sea fishing, jetboat tours, fine dining, and shopping. You cannot leave Bora Bora without a Tahitian pearl.

Bora Bora has some of the most picturesque accommodations: overwater bungalows. I posted a few hotel/resort recommendations for Bora Bora on Twitter a few weeks ago (i.e., Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana, Hilton Bora Bora). Some accommodations have bungalows that are "over the water." The bungalows have a thatched roof and are built on stilts. Some bungalow amenities include a glass coffee table. You will be able to see colorful schools of fish. Bungalows have modern amenities like a DVD player and a television. Some bungalows have kitchens. Don't want to leave your cozy, romantic bungalow for breakfast? You can have your breakfast "canoed" to you. Breakfast is brought to your bungalow by Tahitian hotel staff on a canoe. (Travel agent Lori Danner mentioned the canoe breakfast in her blog: http://crownkingtravel.wordpress.com.) Here is a sample honeymoon package: flight to Papeete, Tahiti, one night stay on Tahiti, interisland flight to Bora Bora, welcome flower lei upon arrival, accommodations on Bora Bora, ground transfers, and all taxes included. I can customize your honeymoon package by adding a private dinner on the beach, breakfast and dinner daily, daytime or sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, and more! A honeymoon is one of the most memorable times in your life. Why not enjoy it on Bora Bora!

Your Caribbean Travel Specialist

Traveling to the Caribbean...interesting history, tropical climate, exotic plants and animals, great cuisine, lively music, turquoise waters, calm or busy nightlife--the Caribbean has it all! I have vacationed on the Caribbean islands of Anguilla, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bequia, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Honduras, Jamaica, St. Barths, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, and St. Vincent. In addition, I have taken professional courses and received "destination specialist" certifications for the Islands of the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands (including Master Specialist-Family Travel), and the Dominican Republic. Not only vacationing in the Caribbean, but attending travel trade shows, destination trips, and participating in webinars has helped enhance my knowledge of the Caribbean. Also, I have attended live destination seminars for Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Each time I visited a Caribbean island, I seem to always want to go back. I have visited St. Lucia and Grand Cayman twice.

When booking Caribbean destinations for my clients I rely on my own experience, other travel agents' reviews, and customer hotel reviews to recommend to my clients. There is so much information available and I find it. When recommending hotels/resorts, I want to meet my clients' needs and make sure that they are in a safe environment that meets their budget. Sometimes, I contact the destination's tourism bureau or destination sales manager to inquire about specials or other client incentives. Also, my business relationship with marketing personnel on Twitter and Facebook are a great asset. Sometimes, tweeters provide links to coupons which I extend to my clients. When you are traveling, every discount, including 10% off helps. The most important benefits that I provide to my clients who book with me are personalized travel customer service, accuracy of travel documents, and stress-free itineraries.

If you are considering traveling to the Caribbean, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.

Kimberly Fountain

kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Caribbean Travel Specialist

Hotel Derek (Houston) Review

Hotel Derek is located near the Galleria area in Houston, TX. You can walk to the Galleria, Starbucks, LePeep Restaurant, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and other stores and restaurants. There are 314 rooms that include suites and business studio rooms. The hotel itself is "boutique chic" with trendy decor and furnishings. My room was located on the 12th floor on the "Westheimer Road side." The street is sooo busy. The noise sounded like I was in a New York hotel in Times Square. I think the hotel could have done a better job at sound-proofing the room. Nevertheless, the king bedroom has ample space, a desk, clock/radio/IPod docking station, windows with a handle for you to roll-up the shades, long sofa attached to the wall of the windows, mini-bar (key accessible), and snack center. The bed was very comfortable with at least 4 pillows. The plug outlets are not accessible if you'd like to charge your cell phone. I had to plug my cell phone into the outlet located near the desk.

The bar, "Vino," is a contemporary bar with fine liquors and creative drink choices. I ordered food at Vino. The chicken ravioli was delicious! Good homemade pasta! I didn't explore any other aspects of the hotel.
Dining: The hotel restaurant is called Valentino. Vino is located in Valentino. Parking: If you have a vehicle, it MUST be valeted. There is no self-parking. Parking is $9.00 and overnight parking is $19.00.

I would recommend this hotel for the ages 20-30. Be sure to request a room on the opposite side of Westheimer Road, if you are a light sleeper or just want a quiet room.

Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com

CuisinArt Resort and Spa (Anguilla) Review

The Cuisinart Resort and Spa is located on the island of Anguilla. Anguilla is located in the Eastern Caribbean, near St. Martin. Anguilla is 200 miles east of Puerto Rico.

I felt truly welcomed at this beautiful Greek architecture (see picture 1) inspired resort. The management staff (i.e., General Manager, Spa Manager, Grounds Keeper, Hydroponic Gardens Manager, Sommelier) is exceptional. The resort hosts a Managers' Reception on certain days and the management staff gets to know you "one on one." I was so full from the foods at the Manager's Reception that I didn't need to eat dinner. Several portions of shrimp and crab were served along with plenty of red and white wine. I had the most interesting conversation with the Sommelier. He is well-renowned.


CuisinArt Resort and Spa is unique because of it's hydroponic garden vegetables (see picture 3). These vegetables are grown without soil. I took a tour of this area. There is a special mat that you must dredge your feet on before stepping onto the grounds in the area. I felt like I was in "la la vegetable land."  Rooms: There are 93 rooms and suites. The room I stayed in was spacious with a living area, walk-in closet with robe and slippers. My balcony faced the ocean. When I arrived, I had several pieces of chocolate and some rum waiting for me. Raining outside? You won't get wet. There is a full-size "CuisinArt Resort and Spa" umbrella in each room. The bathroom was gorgeous! I felt like a queen and never wanted to leave my room. The pool area was sooo relaxing. You can walk down toward the beach to the beachside bar. Great bar tenders and drinks.


Dining: You can view my breakfast pic in my photos of Anguilla. I had an egg white souffle spinach and tomatoes (see picture 2). The vegetables came from the hydroponic garden. You can take cooking classes from the chef. Register for the classes before you arrive at the resort. They fill up quickly.
Spa: Just walk in and breathe, "Ahh." I had a facial and scalp message at the Venus Spa. I met the Spa Manager at the Manager's Reception. The receptionists were very friendly and genuinely interested in providing services. The facial was rejuvenating. I didn't want to leave Venus Spa. Great service! The property was just spectacular and positioned right on the beach! I felt like I was in Greece because of the structure of the buildings.  There is an area where you can play checkers or chess with gigantic pieces that you have to move with both hands. I would recommend CuisinArt Resort and Spa to a client who is accustomed to receiving exceptional service, having a great dining experience, and the enjoying the best wine selections.

Kimberly Fountain,
Destination Specialist
Email: kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com


Photos of my trip to Anguilla: www.sdestinationstravel.com, click on My Trips, All Albums, Anguilla

Client Past Booking

I had a client who was looking for a close international destination getaway. My client lives in Houston, TX. This person was referred to me. The client preferred that I make recommendations regarding the destination getaway.


In order to establish her vacation preferences, I asked questions like: do you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort, do you want to stay on a beachfront property, what is your room type preference (oceanview, oceanfront, garden view), spa on property, what type of activities are you interested in (jet skiing, snorkeling, island tour), etc.


Based on her responses and my recommendations, she booked a 4-night getaway to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The decision was based on the photos that I have of the resort (located on my website) and the flight time of travel from Houston to Cabo. Upon her return, I completed a post-vacation follow-up (sent a welcome back postcard and called). She absolutely LOVED the resort and the entire vacation. I vividly recall this booking particularly because my client relied upon my recommendations and was easy to work with. Also, I helped save my client money by providing the least expensive vacation package without sacrificing quality and provided spa certificates valued at $300. Since then, she refers me to her friends and will utilize my services in the future.

2011 Emerging Vacation Trends

It appears that people are booking vacations (mostly cruises) for 2011 and are starting to book at least 6 months in advance. Most of my clients' vacations are big trips with fewer vacation days. For example, I have clients who are taking Disney cruise vacations for 3 nights instead of 6 nights. 

I receive a lot of requests for travel to the Caribbean; particularly, Jamaica. I'm recommending my clients to venture out to the Dominican Republic and to Turks and Caicos. My clients seem to want to travel to a "close" Caribbean destination, where there is beautiful blue or turquoise water, and lots fun activities.

The most surprising aspect for my clients who opt not to cruise is the cost of airfare. Airfare is expensive. Nevertheless, I'm glad to see people have a desire to treat themselves to a well-deserved vacation, and I am honored to accommodate their desires.

Kimberly FountainDestination Specialist
Email: kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com

Favorite Resort: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort and Spa

One of my favorite resorts is Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort and Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It is located in a somewhat secluded area about 10-15 minutes from downtown Cabo. Also, Pacifica is an adults only resort. I found the Pacifica to be an exceptional resort and give it 5 stars in every aspect of service, dining, accommodations, cleanliness, and location. When I entered the lobby, I heard soft "spa type" music and smelled a soft scent of lavender (at the time of my stay). I now have lavender in my residence.  I felt like I walked directly into a spa and was only in the lobby. Neutral colors and decor, and statues add calm and peace throughout the property. There are 154 rooms. I stayed in an oceanview room which I enjoyed sitting on my balcony with a bottle of wine, listening to the ocean waves. The rooms are luxuriously decorated; soft beds. I love the lighting in the bathroom which offers a few settings to create a romantic type of ambiance (if you'd like). The shower is large enough for two people. The pool is standard size and close to Aire Bar (the pool bar). There is a fire pit surrounded by chairs that you can sit around at night. Tranquil! The staff (security, front desk, concierge, waiter, hostess, grounds keeper, custodial team) always smiles and greets you.

The food was pleasantly pleasing to my palette. I dined in Siempre. For dinner, I had the sea bass; so delicious! The other menu items are awesome. Wines are introduced/recommended by your waiter based on your choice of food. Every meal at Siempre was delicious (i.e., breakfast). Overall, this resort property is meticulously well kept. Also, the Pacifica offers the option of a European plan or all-inclusive plan. One more thing, you can take their complimentary shuttle to other Pueblo Bonito properties (Pueblo Bonito Rose, Pueblo Bonito Sunset, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos). One of the properties is closer to downtown. Signing privileges at the other properties allow you to experience dining during your visit. I recommend this resort for singles, couples, and a girlfriends' getaway. It's PERFECT! Your first stay will not be your last.  Photos on my website.  Scroll to the bottom and click "My Trips." I could say more, but this is a "blog."


A package: 2 people, three-night stay, all-inclusive plan, including airfare (from Houston), and transfers starts at $2,247 ($1,123 per person). 
Kimberly Fountain
Travel CounselorEmail: kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com

Flight Sold Out? Name Your Own Price When Give Up Seat

I recently read an article in my online travel trade publication (Travel Weekly magazine, posted on January 11, 2011): Delta Invites Customers to Name Their Price For Giving Up Seat. The article indicates that Delta Airlines will give customers the option of telling them how much money you'll accept for giving up your seat if the flight is sold out. You can indicate your price when you check in online or at an airport kiosk. The process is suppose to speed up the process to rebook you instead of trying to determine seats and availability at the gate.

If customers do not "name a price," the compensation you'll receive will be $400 or $800 depending on the time the flight was scheduled to arrive (applicable for domestic and international flights). 


My professional opinion is that I think it's a great to find ways to expedite processes when dealing with customers' travel. My main concern is that if customers "low bid," then Delta may save some money from may have been provided for compensation. I wouldn't want to bid $200 if I can get $400 compensation. So, you'll have to just take your chance! 

Cruising: Balcony Staterooms

I recently read a blog titled "Why You Should Consider A Balcony When Cruising" by travel agent Tamyra Nash. For my first cruise experience, I selected an inside cabin (no window) basically because of the cost (least expensive). However, as I inspected various cruise ships and actually saw the beauty of cabins with balconies, I realized that my next cruise accommodation will have a balcony. I imagined myself, as Tamra's blog indicated, looking at the ocean while in my PJs and having breakfast on my balcony. It sounds like a surreal experience and I can't wait. Tamyra also provided some other reasons as to why you should consider a balcony stateroom when cruising. Check out her other blogs at : http://reallyawesomevacations.com/. I think Tamyra has some great blogs!

Traveling to Alaska

Alaska is one state that you'll definitely want to travel to whether it's by plane or boat (cruise).  If you are an adventure traveler, love the outdoors, and want to experience/learn about a different culture...perfect place for you. Alaska is also for families, too.

There are lots of outdoor activities/tours: hiking, biking, glacier tours, flightseeing with/without glacier landing, camping, whitewater rafting, fishing, Denali National Park, etc. I traveled to Anchorage, Alaska by plane. I took a tour that allowed me to see the city highlights of Anchorage via motor coach, took a boat tour to the Portage Glacier (You get very close to the glacier and it's a great photo opportunity!), visited Mount Alyeska and Alaska's only ski resort, Alyeska Resort; and learned about Alaska culture at the Alaskan Native Heritage Center museum.

One time while in Anchorage, I boarded the Alaska Railroad and took a 2 1/2 hour scenic train ride to Seward, Alaska. The train cars were very comfortable. You can purchase food while on board, too. During the ride, one of the employees narrates and tells you about various Alaska facts. Watch closely! I saw a moose and black bears in their natural habitat. This train ride is a must if you go to any part of Alaska. You'll pass through towns like Wasilla and Girdwood. You'll see beautiful streams, trees, mountains, and glaciers.

The accommodations vary in Alaska. You can stay in a bed and breakfast, resort, lodge, cabin, or hostel. I have stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn  Anchorage, Hilton Hotel Anchorage, and Embassy Suites Anchorage. All are great places in convenient locations. Alaska is known for the best fresh fish! I had either salmon or halibut every day. Believe it or not...I ate some moose, too. It taste like roast.

I could go on and on about Alaska, but you'll have to visit to get that wonderful experience! You can also see photos of my Alaska trip at: http://s613.photobucket.com/albums/tt216/passion4travel/Alaska/

Passion4Traveln: Passion for Traveling

As a child, my parents took my sister and I on vacations in the summer. We visited lots of family-oriented destinations. As an adult, I continued to take vacations after establishing my career. I planned vacations for my friends and I. I checked hotel reviews, attraction and tour company reviews, looked for destination coupons, created itineraries, registered with the U.S. Embassy when going to international destinations, looked for value and quality when booking hotels; looked for safe, economical transportation methods when traveling at a destination, etc. I developed a passion for traveling.

As a travel agent, I extend the same detailed planning to my customers. I care about my customers "having a good time" while on vacation, on a honeymoon, or at their destination wedding-- instead of just booking people for the money.

My travel specialties are family travel (including family reunion cruises), singles travel, and couples travel to domestic and international (i.e., Caribbean, Italy, France) destinations. In addition, I am a Disney Specialist, ski specialist, and honeymoon and destination wedding specialist. I have completed many hours of coursework and earning certificates for destination travel programs, hotel, car, and cruise programs.

Please feel free to contact me to book your vacation. It will be my passion FIRST...then my pleasure!

Note: Trip Photos are located on www.sdestinationstravel.com (scroll down to My Trips, click, and enjoy)

Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas (located near Houston) has made some great waves in recovering from Hurricane Katrina and Ike. I can plan a pre-cruise/post-cruise stay or weekend getaway at one of the local hotels and provide an itinerary to fit your needs and interests whether you are single, are a couple, or a family. The locals are very friendly! People from other Texas cities and towns come to Galveston for a "getaway." It's an economical area, too. Pure R and R!

There are several hotel options (lots of new chain hotels) to choose from: Moody Gardens Hotel, Four Points Sheraton, several Holiday Inns and Comfort Suites, luxury: Hotel Galvez and Spa, San Luis Hotel and Spa, The Tremont House-A Wyndham Grand Hotel; Hilton Galveston Island Resort, Hampton Inn, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Country Inn and Suites, Best Western Beachfront Inn, LaQuinta Inn, Super 8, Econolodge, and lots of beautiful condos (Endless Escaptes, Casa Del Mar, Victorian Condos and Conference Center), and beach house rentals (see photos). Beaches! Beaches! Beaches! I stayed at the Victorian Condo and Conference Center (formerly Hawthorne Inn and Suites). I had a balcony suite that sleeps 5 or 6 people (1 queen, sofabed, and 2 bunk beds), kitchen, plenty of closet space, and a great view of the gulf. There is a laundry area and whirlpool on the premises. Very peaceful place and in a good location on the seawall.

As I rode along the seawall and watched singles,couples, and families enjoy looking and listening to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. There are lots of local chains that serve great seafood like The Spot. It was sooo crowded in there; reasonable prices, too! A hip place: The Poop Deck; Rainforest Cafe, Jetty's Restaurant (great pasta); steakhouses, Mexican, Cajun, and Italian restaurants; various types of dining available.

Places to visit: Moody Gardens (Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids), Moody Mansion (historic home), Schlitterbahn (water park), putt putt golf, museums, cruise on The Colonel (nice cruise around the gulf and back), Seawolf Park, and more! Lots of places to purchased souvenirs, too.

If you plan to cruise (Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) to Mexico or other islands or want a getaway, Splendid Destinations Travel can assist you with this destination.